World-renowned Jazz musicians perform an exciting mix of classic jazz and their own compositions.
The concert is free, open to the public, and in-person, with livestreaming.
Larry Ham-Jazz Pianist: Pianist, composer and arranger Larry Ham has long been a noted New York based jazz musician. Reviewing a recent CD, David Dupont of Cadence Jazz Magazine writes, “He glides over the keys, with every note articulated cleanly…his playing is masterful.” Larry played in the Lionel Hampton Orchestra in the 1980's, the Illinois Jacquet Big Band (1990-95) and has performed at jazz festivals, in concerts and nightclubs throughout the USA, Europe, West Africa, Canada, India, Brazil and Japan. He was a US State Department Jazz Ambassador to West Africa in 2001-2002. Larry has an MA in Jazz Performance from Queens College in New York City, and teaches Jazz Studies at Bard College.
Tom Melito - Drums: Tom has been a mainstay on the jazz scene for many years. His drumming has been heard behind such varied artists as Bucky Pizzarelli, Frank Wess, Harry Allen, "Sweets" Edison, Lew Soloff, Herb Ellis, Warren Vache, John Bunch, and Bill Watrous. Tom's talents have been in demand internationally, including numerous tours of Japan, Europe, and South America. He has also performed at most of the world’s largest jazz events, including the JVC, Montreal, and Berne Jazz Festivals. His numerous television appearances include the CBS Early Show, Entertainment Tonight, and CNN World Beat.
Matthew Dunne: Matthew is a guitarist, bassist, and composer. He has had a distinguished career as a performer and composer in both jazz and classical music, playing at festivals, in concert halls, and in jazz clubs. He has written music for many classical guitar soloists and ensembles, including Grammy winners David Russell and the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, with several acclaimed recordings of his music on major labels. Matthew was a professor of music at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he directed a thriving guitar program for 27 years. He has a DMA from UT Austin and a MM from Florida State University, and a BM from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.
Supported by the Birdsong Fund for Visiting Music Faculty.